His Majesty, King Bhumibol, Rama IX of Thailand was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts on December 5, 1927. This year will will celebrate the Kings birthday on Sunday, December1, 2013. This celebration is also referred to as Thai Father's day since the King is the symbolic father of Thailand. The King and Queen are revered for they generosity and caring for the Thai people. There are numerous royal projects aimed at improving the life and health of the Thai people. A list of their accomplishments is long and impressive.
The King's father, Prince Mahidol, was studying medicine at Harvard University at the time of the King's birth. The King's grandfather was King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), one of the most famous kings of the Royal House of Chakri. Prince Bhumibol's father died at an early age and his mother moved to Switzerland where the young prince lead as "ordinary" life as possible. Prince Bhumibol's interests during this time were photography, tinkering with electrical & mechanical things, and science. While in Switzerland he entered Lausanne University. While in Switzerland he met and fell in love with a charming young Thai lady. They were married just prior to the King's coronation in 1950. It is worth noting that Thailand has had a constitutional monarchy since 1937. King Bhumibol is the longest reigning king is the world.
Two personal observations attest to love the Thai people hold for King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit.
Perhaps the most visible sign of the love and respect for the King and Queen is that every house and every store have one (or sometimes many more) pictures of the royal couple. This was as true 25 years ago when I first visited Thailand as it was last year when I traveled to Thailand.
The second observation has likewise been formed over many years. Thailand is a constitutional monarchy. In theoretical terms the king has limited powers in the day-to-day governing of Thailand. He does, however, have vast moral authority. His advice and counsel is sought on many of the important decisions of the Thai government. In a recent article on the King stated the King has only three rights: The Right to Encourage, the Right to be Consulted. and the Right to Warn. These rights are only effective because His Majesty is so revered by the people of Thailand.
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